[Diverticula of the pharyngoesophageal area]

Hypopharyngeal diverticula are relatively unknown, with the exception of Zenker's diverticulum. Spot-camera and videorecording techniques were employed for the examination of 95 dysphagic and 250 asymptomatic patients. On the whole, 345 cases. 40% of diverticula were found in dysphagic patients, and 14% in asymptomatic ones. Fifty diverticula were detected through the thyrohyoid membrane, and 14 pseudodiverticula, 4 Zenker's diverticula, 4 lateral diverticula at the pharyngoesophageal junction, and 2 outpouchings through the tonsillar fossa. A statistically significant correlation (p less than 0.001) with dysphagia was demonstrated only for diverticula through the thyrohyoid membrane. Most pathologic findings were associated with other swallowing dysfunctions.